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By Rashad Phillips

After publishing a hair magazine, I learned about the “Natural Hair” debate. Some African-American women are concerned about ‘going natural’ because they think that men prefer women with relaxed hair. In the past, I was on the fence about this issue. But, everything changed when I attended my first Natural Hair Care Expo in Raleigh, NC.

At the hair expo, Taji, a natural hair stylist invited me backstage to capture some photos for her salon. When I walked behind the curtain, I felt like I was transported back in time. I wasn’t in Raleigh anymore. I felt like I was at Fela Kuti’s Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. These beautiful women had to be more than just natural hair models. I’m certain that they were members of Fela’s world-renowned stage performers. Their hairstyles didn’t look like anything that I had seen before. The Cowrie Shells, Afros, Bantu Knots, Cantu Twist, Cornrows, and Twisted Locs had me mesmerized. Their gorgeous natural hair put me into a trance. Most men (myself included), don’t usually spend much time checking out women’s hair. Usually, it’s a quick look at her face and then rapid eye movement to search for her curves. But this experience was different. My eyes were focused on their hair, face, and eyes.

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Natural Hair (Photo Gallery)
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After watching Taji and her team of natural hair stylists’ prepare their models to grace the runway, I was no longer on the fence. The natural hair goddesses had completely won me over.  During my drive back to Charlotte, I couldn’t get these beauties out of my head. I called a few of my friends, but they didn’t understand my experience. After I posted my pictures on Facebook, my buddies were ready to join me on my next road trip to Raleigh.

I am not the only guy who has experienced a Natural Hair Awakening. After recent conversations with most of my friends, I am confident that African-American men are becoming more receptive to women with natural hair. A small minority of men may still prefer only women with relaxed hair, but women should not allow a small group of closed- minded individuals to control their hair preferences.

Rashad Phillips, our finance columnist typically writes about ways to save money and build wealth, but after becoming a hair magazine publisher, he decided to write a hair related guest column for us. Read his finance columns below:

Slavery and Savings: They Did It, Why Can’t We?

In 2013, Tell Your Kids To Start a Business!

It’s Not What You Have, It’s What You’re Worth